Chapter One

The view from Evrain’s top floor office window at ThInk, the design company where he worked, was enviable. His drawing board was set up so that he got the best light in the building and could daydream whilst admiring Portland’s cityscape and Mount Hood in the far distance. The rare sunny days were a gift. Today wasn’t one of them and his view was nonexistent.

“I swear the weather here is worse than in Scotland.” Evrain scowled at the scudding clouds and lashing rain.

“Talking to yourself again, Mr. Brookes?” Pete Markowitz, Evrain’s office-mate, wandered over to peer at his work.

“How else am I going to find intelligent conversation around here?” Evrain grinned. “All you ever talk about is the Winterhawks or your latest conquest and I don’t care about either.”

“You know the boss put the two of us together in here for a reason,” Pete said.

“Because we’re both gay?” Evrain knew that wasn’t the case but this was a familiar conversation and he was required to follow the pattern to keep Pete happy.

“That applies to half the staff here. It’s because you’re the only employee that knows squat about hockey and therefore will not dispute my opinions on the Hawks. I end up brawling with everyone else and that’s not good for the office furniture budget, apparently.”

“You don’t have opinions, you make blinkered statements based on a relationship bordering on obsession. You’re a hockey stalker, Pete, and you know it.”

“You still have to listen and nod at my sage pronouncements. It’s in your contract. Read the small print.”

“Go back to work, you idiot. Or get me a coffee. At least that would be useful, and you don’t appear to have anything better to do.” Evrain stood back to examine the artwork on his board. The designs were to support the launch of a new perfume and lived up to every fragrance advertising stereotype ever created—exactly what the client wanted. “If I never have to use a shade of pink again, I won’t object.” Silence met his statement and Evrain realized he was speaking to an empty room. He hoped Pete had taken the hint about coffee and was making a trip to the independent coffee shop down the street rather than the vending machine in the staffroom, which dispensed brown-colored liquid of indeterminate origin. Evrain would rather drink some of Dominic’s organic liquid fertilizer.

He took the opportunity provided by Pete’s absence to use his power to manipulate some of the natural inks on his drawing, making subtle changes to the depth of the colors. The delicate work was difficult to manage with Dominic out of range. It was easier when Evrain could channel his power through his lover but he couldn’t stash him in an office cupboard, however much he’d like to keep him close. He fiddled with the gold bracelet around his wrist. The heavy links pressed close to his skin and the clasp was robust. It wasn’t a pretty piece and not worn for show. In fact, it was a little too similar to a manacle, something Evrain chose not to think about. Chains belonged on Dominic, along with an assortment of other bondage accoutrements, not on him, but the pure metal served to dampen his power, something essential to keeping the city of Portland intact.

Evrain’s dick stirred at the image of Dominic chained naked to their bed. It wasn’t a fantasy, it had been reality just the previous evening and Evrain couldn’t wait to get back to his lover. He relished the challenge of turning him into a begging pile of need, with or without the use of his powers. “Perhaps I can get away with taking a few hours off this afternoon,” he murmured. His current project was almost done and he’d been putting in a lot of extra time in recent weeks. His grandmother had left him enough money that he never needed to work again if he didn’t want to, but he enjoyed the normality of having a career. Of course he wasn’t normal and never would be, but sometimes it was nice to pretend. He pressed the heel of his hand to his crotch.

“Thinking filthy thoughts about Dominic again, I see.” Pete elbowed through the door before shoving a take-out cup into Evrain’s hand. “Can’t say I blame you. If I had all that gorgeousness waiting for me at home, I’d have a permanent woody too.”

“A woody? What are you, ten years old? And that makes me think of Toy Story, which is all kinds of wrong.” Evrain took the coffee and mulled over a few ideas of how to get revenge on Pete. Not that he would act on any of them, but it was fun to imagine softening the tarmac so that Pete’s car sank to its hubcaps in the street, or turning the cotton threads of his underwear back to their original plant form. “Now that one has potential.”

“What does?” Pete asked.

“Just an idea for those science textbook covers I’ve got lined up as my next project.”

“Right. I don’t believe a word of it.” Pete took a noisy slurp of his drink. “The three of us should have a night out soon. Drinks, dinner, hot, sweaty, shirtless dancing… You know the kind of thing.”

“Nobody sees Dominic shirtless but me,” Evrain growled.

“I know, I know… No need to get all dommy with me. He’s not my type.”

“He’s everyone’s type.” Since Symeon Malus had worked his evil magic on Dominic, the man’s beauty and allure were irresistible. Evrain would happily keep his lover locked away from public view but Dominic tended to get irritated if Evrain tried to prevent him from mowing his customers’ lawns. Not that he did much of that work anymore, but he refused to give up a few of his elderly clients who relied on him the most. Those he was gradually handing over to a small start-up outfit he’d found, working with them until his favorite customers were content they could be trusted upon. Most of his work was now at Hornbeam Cottage, where his organic herb business was thriving.

“Show some pity. When we go out together you two attract all sorts of attention, which means I get to cruise the fringes of your admirers. I’m pathetic, I know, but I haven’t gotten laid in weeks. I need you two to facilitate my sex life.”

“I can name at least three clubs where you could pick up a one-night stand seconds after walking through the door,” Evrain said. “You need to get less selective, that’s all.”

Pete stuck his tongue out at him. “How did you meet Dominic?”

“He was my grandmother’s gardener, believe it or not. I helped him out potting a few seedlings and the rest is history.” The truth was a lot more complicated than that but Pete didn’t need the details and the part about potting seedlings was true.

“Unbelievable. Some people have all the luck.” Pete went back to his own drawing board on the other side of the room, muttering under his breath. “Perhaps I should get a hobby, join a club or something. Flower arranging, or cake decorating.”

“Then you’re either after a nonexistent stereotype or switching sides. Without wishing to generalize, I think you’ll find that most attendees at either of those classes will be female.”

“Maybe I need a new girlfriend. She’d have better tips for hunting down a man than you do, that’s for sure. Oh, I think your jacket’s vibrating.”

Evrain had turned his phone’s ringer off during a staff meeting earlier that day. He retrieved it from his jacket pocket just as it cut off but when he saw who had called, he rang back immediately. “Dominic?”

“Hey. I’m sorry to disturb you, but is there any chance you can come home early?”

“Why, what’s happened? Are you okay?” Evrain gripped the phone harder.

“I’m fine, but there’s something here you should see. I don’t want to talk about it over the phone. Don’t worry— it’s not dangerous. At least I don’t think so.”

“I’ll be there in less than an hour.” He disconnected reluctantly, a hard knot forming in his stomach. Dominic sounded scared and that was not to be tolerated. If there was even the remotest chance that he wasn’t safe then Evrain had to be with him. “I have to go, Pete. If the boss wants my designs for the new perfume project, they’re all here on my board.”

“Sure, I can show him the poufy pink passion pong. Is everything…?”

“I don’t know but I’ll be in touch, okay?”

“Sure. Do what you need to do.”

Evrain grabbed his jacket then ran for the elevator. He and Dominic had been living an uneventful, peaceful life for the last six months, something they had both enjoyed. “Should have known it was too good to last. Fuck,” he yelled at the elevator doors, fear driving his temper. I swear I’m never letting that man out of my sight again.

 

* * * *

 

Dominic threw his phone into one of the armchairs in front of the fire. He hadn’t wanted to disturb Evrain but at times like this he didn’t have a choice. If he hadn’t called and Evrain had arrived home to find what Dominic was now staring at, Dominic had no doubt that he wouldn’t be sitting comfortably for at least a week. He brushed a strand of hair out of his eyes. “What do you think it means, Shadow?” He addressed his comment to the large, hairy black cat spread across the hearth rug. “Even in this household, that can’t be normal.” He stared at the sooty symbol that had appeared on the wall above the mantel. “I hope it’s not dangerous.” He was reassured by the cat’s utter lack of interest. If the symbol was any threat to Dominic, Shadow would be herding him out of the door by now. She was almost as protective as Evrain.

Dominic checked his watch. It would be at least half an hour before Evrain got back from Portland. Not long enough to do anything useful in the garden, but too long to stand staring at black lines that meant nothing to him. He made a pot of coffee then sat at the kitchen table with one of Agatha’s ancient gardening books. There was a big demand for saffron from the upscale restaurants in the city and Dominic wanted to try growing it. It appeared that saffron crocuses weren’t a difficult crop to produce—the corms could be planted in summer for an autumn harvest. The local climate was going to be a problem though, because according to Agatha’s book, the flowers needed reasonably warm and dry summers and autumns, although a little rain was fine. “We get more than a little rain here, Shadow, don’t we?” The soil needed to be light, sandy and well-drained because saffron didn’t tolerate heavy or wet ground. Of course, there were advantages to having an elemental warlock as a lover. Evrain could help with conditioning the soil, but weather control was beyond him for more than a short period—it took a huge amount of effort.

“The crocuses bloom in October, and you need to pluck the flowers and harvest the filaments as soon as possible after they’ve bloomed. The corms divide with the passing years, and you can separate and replant them to increase the stock. That’s good.” Shadow rolled onto her back, giving one paw a desultory lick. “You could pretend some interest, fur ball.” Dominic read on. Though the crop was easy enough to cultivate, harvesting it was so labor-intensive that it would be almost impossible to make any profit from it. “It says here that the flowers have to be hand-picked as they bloom. The filaments—just three per blossom—have to be extracted then dried. It takes one hundred and fifty blossoms to make a single gram of market-ready saffron, and tens of thousands to make an ounce. Wow. I think I might have to restrict myself to growing enough to flavor the occasional fish stew. I can picture Evrain’s face if I ask him to help hand pick crocus filaments—he’ll get out that paddle with bumps on it.” At the mention of fish, Shadow delivered an intense stare, lurched to her feet then ambled in Dominic’s direction. She rubbed around his legs, head-butting his shins. He reached down to scratch behind her ears and a rumbling purr vibrated through his fingers.

“I suppose you want food. It’s too early for your dinner.” Shadow jumped into his lap and proceeded to knead his thighs with a set of needle-sharp claws. “Ow! Fine. You can have a few biscuits.” Dominic knew he shouldn’t give in so easily but once Shadow got an idea in her head there was no changing her mind. Her stubborn nature was something else she had in common with Evrain. “Let me up then.” Shadow launched herself toward the cupboard containing her treats, meowing at the top of her voice. She was shoving her face into a bowl of biscuits when Evrain arrived, coming through the door with a gust of damp wind and a scattering of leaves. He slammed the door closed, paced across the room then took Dominic in his arms, marching him back until his ass hit the kitchen cabinets.

Dominic had seconds to draw breath before Evrain claimed him with a kiss, nipping at Dominic’s lower lip hard enough to sting.

“You’re okay.”

“Of course I am.” Dominic submitted to another punishing kiss, his cock plumping in response to Evrain’s aggression. “Agatha had enough wards around this place to keep an entire battalion of demons out and she said they’d last forever.”

Evrain cupped Dominic’s cheek. “I worry about you.”

“I know you do.” Dominic gave him a shy smile. “Which is why I thought you needed to see our new décor in person.” He gestured at the fireplace and Evrain turned to look.

“What in the ever-loving hell is that?” Evrain stalked across to stand in front of the fireplace. He reached for the graffiti above the mantel, not quite touching.

“It appeared just before I called you, not all at once but almost as if someone were painting it onto the wall. It smoked a little, then turned to that sooty color. Shadow wasn’t bothered so I assumed I wasn’t in imminent danger.” At the sound of her name, Shadow glanced around, gave Evrain a narrow-eyed glare then went back to eating.

“That animal is nothing but a stomach on legs, but I trust her judgment where your safety is concerned.” Evrain stared at the markings. “There’s something about the symbol that’s familiar. I can’t quite place it.”

Dominic joined him and Evrain clasped his hand, rubbing his thumb across Dominic’s palm.

“It looks a bit Celtic to me. Are you going to call Gregory?” Dominic asked.

Evrain gave a pained sigh. “I suppose I must. He and Coryn should be back from their cruise by now. He’ll insist on coming up here then he’ll find excuses for more training.”

“When will he consider you done?” Dominic asked, keeping the amusement from his voice.

“Knowing him, never. The man’s a sadist. He takes enormous pleasure in demonstrating how much of a novice I am.”

“Takes one to know one. Sadist that is, not novice.”

Evrain pulled Dominic to stand with his back pressed to Evrain’s chest. He slipped a hand down the front of Dominic’s pants, cupped his package and squeezed. “And you love that about me.”

“Evrain…”

“I’ve neglected you this week.”

“Shouldn’t you call Gregory straight away?” Despite his words, Dominic pushed back against the hard ridge of Evrain’s cock.

“I’m entitled to a little rebellion now and again. I’ll email him a picture of it. In the meantime, I think you should strip.”

“Evrain…are you sure we’re safe?”

“I don’t sense anything evil about it at all. The wards are undisturbed and Shadow isn’t bothered. I’m as sure as I can be. Now, don’t make me tell you again, sweetheart. You’re well overdue some discipline thanks to the hours I’ve been working and I’d be more than happy to apply my hand to your backside.”

Shadow made a beeline for the door. She gave Dominic a baleful glare then began to scratch at the wood. “Hey, don’t blame me.” Dominic wandered over to unlatch the door. “I’m not the one upsetting your delicate sensibilities.”

Evrain snorted. “Delicate, my ass. She knows I’ll toss her voyeuristic, furry behind into the garden in a minute anyway. She’s anticipating the need to evacuate the premises.”

Tail held high, Shadow sashayed out of the cottage. Shaking his head, Dominic closed then latched the door. Evrain was snapping a picture of the new wall art on his phone.

“There. Knowing Gregory, he’ll have the sound turned off on his mobile and won’t notice the message for hours. Plenty of time for me to have my wicked way with you.” He leered. “Why are you still dressed?”

Dominic shivered. He never failed to feel a frisson of excitement when Evrain was in a dominant mood. He still didn’t understand why submitting to another man turned him on the way it did but he had learned to accept it. Evrain was a force of nature, kneeling for him seemed natural to Dominic—the way things should be. He took off his shirt, leaving his pendant in place. Only Evrain was allowed to remove it—fastened with magic and imbued with protection spells, Dominic couldn’t take it off himself even if he wanted to. He touched the star-shaped black tourmaline wondering, as always, at its unnatural warmth.

“I’m getting impatient, sweetheart.” The endearment didn’t fool Dominic. Evrain’s steel-edged tone held the promise of unavoidable punishment. “Raise your hands.”

Dominic glanced up. There was an ancient iron meat hook embedded in the gnarled beam above his head, a loop of rough hemp rope hanging from it. As he watched, the rope unknotted in a sinuous slide and the vague ache he always experienced when Evrain channeled his power enveloped his body. He gave Evrain a narrow-eyed stare but lifted his arms, stretching his fingers toward the ceiling. In a snake-like dance, the rope wound around his wrists and the hook, tightening until he was forced to lift his heels from the floor. His cock hardened in response to his vulnerable position.

“You should have obeyed me quicker, love. I’m not good at waiting for what I want, you know that.” Evrain circled him, tracing the lines of Dominic’s muscles with the tip of his finger. He paused to unfasten Dominic’s jeans, easing the zipper down with care. Dominic had forgone underwear that morning at Evrain’s insistence. Now he whimpered as his aching cock bounced free.

“So beautiful.”

Once past his thighs, the garment dropped to the floor.

“Step out of them.”

Dominic shook the denim from his feet.

“I’ll allow you to keep the socks on. The floor’s cold and besides, they look cute.”

Dominic rolled his eyes, but he was glad of the thick woolen socks. Flagstones suited the cottage, but the bits of exposed stone between faded rugs were always cold regardless of the season. He gasped and rose higher on his toes when Evrain gripped his cock.

“Nice and hard for me. Stay that way.”

As if I have a choice.

“Any numbness or tingling in your hands?”

“No…Sir.” Dominic flexed his fingers. The rope dug into his wrists but he didn’t care—he craved the marks that would be left behind. Addressing Evrain with the honorific also helped put him in a submissive mindset, settling him in his skin.

“Good.” Evrain ran his palm over the curve of Dominic’s backside. “You’ll tell me if anything hurts that shouldn’t.” The whimper that escaped Dominic’s lips was involuntary. “Time to fill you up. You want that, don’t you?”

“Please, Sir.”

A shelf set in the side of the fireplace held Evrain’s ever-growing collection of plugs and dildos. Gregory insisted that he practice manipulating natural materials and Evrain found it amusing to fashion stone and wood into tactile sex toys. Stone was much more difficult to work with than wood but so far Evrain had succeeded with quartz, polished granite and marble. He chose the quartz, his favorite, and the biggest of the bunch. Dominic’s pulse sped up as Evrain coated the plug with a thick layer of lube, taking his time, making sure Dominic saw everything.

“You’re enjoying this far too much.” Dominic shivered in anticipation.

“What’s not to enjoy? You’re at my mercy—my favorite position for you. You’re naked, the state I prefer you in, and I’m about to make you scream, which is always pleasurable.” Evrain pressed the tip of the plug to Dominic’s hole.

“Evrain…”

“Sir.”

“Bossy warlock.”

“Any chance you had of coming today is rapidly diminishing.” Evrain pushed the smooth quartz rod into Dominic’s channel. The stretch was accompanied by a mild burn that soon gave way to pleasure as Evrain nudged his prostate.

“Please. Please… Sir…”

“I love to hear you beg, sweetheart. Tell me what you want.”

A small part of Dominic wanted to resist, a far larger part wanted to give Evrain whatever he demanded. “Touch me.” The lack of friction on his cock was torment. “Touch me, Evrain, please… You’re driving me mad.” In response, Evrain pushed the plug in and out of Dominic’s body, varying his pace and rhythm. “More. I need more.” Dominic yanked on his bonds, attempting to push back so that Evrain would drive the plug deeper.

“Who’s in control here?” Evrain withdrew the quartz rod to its tip.

“You are! Evrain… Sir… You, always you.”

“That’s right. Don’t forget it. I decide what to give you, I decide between pleasure and pain.” He thrust the plug deep into Dominic’s channel. “You’ll keep this inside you.”

Dominic moaned. The plug was heavy, slippery—he clenched his ass muscles around the invader. In front of him, Evrain dropped to his knees. He swiped the end of Dominic’s leaking cock with his tongue.

“Love the way you taste… Of herbs and green things, fresh like spring rain.”

“Your Scottish accent turns me on.”

“What accent?”

Dominic regretted saying anything if it kept Evrain’s attention away from his cock. “When you’re excited, or angry, you start rolling your ‘r’s… It makes me picture you in a kilt.”

“I have one. The family tartan is very dark.”

“Why doesn’t that…oh!”

Evrain sucked the end of Dominic’s cock, making it impossible to think until he pulled off with a pop. “You were saying?”

“You’re evil.”

“When it comes to torturing you, yes. Hundreds of years ago the family name was Brooke. Not sure where the ‘s’ came from. So we use the Brooke tartan, which is mainly dark green and black.” Mouthing Dominic’s balls, Evrain hummed, sending vibrations through Dominic’s body. He stopped again. “Would you like to see me in my kilt? I don’t wear anything under it.” He grinned.

“Can we save this conversation for later? Interesting though it is.” Dominic worked his muscles around the plug.

“Or I could give you a potted history of tartan making. Did you know that one of the earliest examples of tartan found in Scotland dates back to the third century AD?”

“Evrain…”

“A small sample was found used as a stopper in an earthenware pot to protect a treasure trove of silver coins buried close to the Antonine Wall near Falkirk.”

“Evrain!”

“So impatient.” Evrain took Dominic’s cock deep into his throat. He sucked hard and there was nothing Dominic could do to stop the orgasm that seared through him. Evrain sucked and swallowed until Dominic’s skin was so sensitive he couldn’t stand it any longer. He sobbed for mercy.

“Enough…please, Sir!”

Standing, Evrain gave Dominic’s ass a sharp smack, jostling the plug. “I don’t think I gave you permission to come.”

“You’re unbelievable.” Dominic was glad of the bindings because he didn’t think his legs would hold him up without the additional support.

“I am.” Dominic shuddered as Evrain fondled his ass. “Unbelievably good to you, considering your lack of respect for my authority.”

“Your…you arrogant…fuck me!” Dominic howled. “Stop that.” Evrain played with the plug some more.

“Once I’m done fucking you into unconsciousness, this is going back in. Gonna keep my seed inside you for the rest for the day.”

“No! I…”

“You don’t want me to fuck you?” Evrain feigned hurt.

“I didn’t say that.” Dominic whined. “I have to work.”

“All you have to do is submit to my will.” There was a rustle of fabric then the messy heap of Evrain’s pants slid into view. He pulled the plug free and before Dominic could manage a yelp, pressed the head of his cock to Dominic’s hole. “All stretched and ready for me. Nice and slick.”

Dominic gripped the ropes holding him in place in an attempt to keep his body still but Evrain placed a hand on each hip, digging his fingers in hard enough to leave marks, keeping him steady. Dominic shivered then sighed his relief as Evrain pushed inside his body. The heat, the pressure, the fullness were all familiar and welcome. He floated on a wave of deep satisfaction. Evrain muttered and sparks tingled inside Dominic’s body, as if Evrain’s cock was coated with fireflies. Dominic gasped and danced from foot to foot.

“Be still.” Evrain gripped him harder, ramming home his claim. Dominic gave in and let Evrain take control, not that he had much choice. Evrain nailed his gland over and over, sending him into a spiral of desperate need and acute pleasure.

“I love it when you give me everything,” Evrain said, nibbling the nape of Dominic’s neck. “Your powers of recuperation are remarkable.” He licked Dominic’s shoulder before pressing his teeth into the flesh just hard enough to sting.

“Evrain! Don’t stop… Harder…”

For once Evrain didn’t argue. He pounded Dominic’s ass without mercy.

“I need…”

“You need what I give you.” Evrain reached around Dominic’s body to grasp his aching cock. He squeezed, harder than was strictly necessary, and Dominic came with a yell, his vision blanking. The sensations in his body were so overwhelming that his awareness of Evrain diminished to the point where they were joined and no more.

Evrain sank his fingertips into Dominic’s hips, holding him close, sealing their bodies together as he came shouting Dominic’s name. The gush of extra heat inside him made Dominic shake, his body attempting to come again even though it was impossible. He sagged in his bonds until the ropes slithered away from his wrists and he dropped into Evrain’s secure hold.

“One of these days you’re going to kill me with pleasure.”

“Best to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Evrain muttered, half carrying Dominic to one of the armchairs next to the fire where he settled him onto his lap. “Because I intend to do that again and again and again.”

“I should clean up.”

“You should stay right where you are and besides, I’m going to plug you again before you shower—with something big, to keep you well stretched for me.”

Dominic groaned. “Do you know how hard it is to work with one of those things inside you?”

“I don’t have first-hand experience, so no.” Dominic could feel Evrain vibrating with laughter.

“You’re such an evil bastard. I thought it was part of the Dom rulebook that you had to try everything you do to me first?”

“I like to be the exception to most rules, sweetheart, as you’ve probably worked out by now.” Evrain pulled Dominic close, fondling his softened dick. “I should cage this, keep it safe for me.”

“What do you mean?” Dominic sat up, imagining all kinds of horrific scenarios.

“Chastity, my love. I could get hard just thinking about your sweet dick locked in metal for me. You would only be able to get hard when I permit it. I’d be the only person able to grant you release.”

“No. Just no.” Dominic’s traitorous cock made an attempt to harden.

“You say no, but your body seems to be agreeing with me.”

“I…” Dominic had no idea what to say. He couldn’t deny that Evrain’s words were turning him on, against his better judgment. His rambling thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a phone. He slumped against Evrain’s chest. “Saved by the bell. Does Gregory know that you have the theme from The Godfather as his ring tone?”

Evrain shrugged. “I hope not.” He reached for his cell. “Gregory, thanks for calling back. Did you and Coryn have a fun trip?”

“I think we can dispense with the niceties, Evrain. I can’t leave you alone for ten minutes, can I?”

“What did I do?” Evrain rolled his eyes at Dominic. “I wasn’t even here when the symbol appeared, I was at work.”

“Well, you’ll be glad to know it’s benign. Nothing to worry about. In fact it will start to fade soon.”

“I guessed as much because Shadow wasn’t spooked. Dominic was here alone when it happened and that fur ball is more protective of him than I am.”

Gregory snorted. “I doubt that. Regardless, I need to see you in person. Coryn and I will fly out today. We’ll be there this evening and stay in your guest room.”

“Why, what’s up?”

“It’s not something I can talk about over the phone, Evrain. We’ll discuss it later, but for now I suggest you and Dominic check that your passports are in order.” He rang off before Evrain could say anything further.

“What’s going on?” Dominic wiggled into a more comfortable position.

“Apparently we’ll find out later. In the meantime, I’m going to plug you, then we’ll take a shower and start thinking about some dinner because we’re going to have guests. Do you have a passport?”

“What?” Dominic was finding it hard to keep up. His mind had stalled on ‘plug’. Evrain lifted him to his feet, giving his ass a pat. “I have you, sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine.”

“Don’t patronize me, Evrain. I’m a grown-up and quite capable of hearing the truth.”

“The fact is I don’t know any more than you do, other than Gregory said we will need passports. There’s no point in worrying until he and Coryn get here and tell us what’s going on. In the meantime, I can think of several interesting ways to take your mind off everything but me.” Evrain stroked the curve of Dominic’s backside, pushing his fingers between Dominic’s cheeks to graze his hole.

“No chastity. No plug.” Dominic glared at him even as his cock jerked.

“I don’t hear your safe word, my love.” Evrain took his hand and tugged him toward the stairs.